The Marion County Courthouse may shut down during RAGBRAI. The Board of Supervisors discussed the issue recently. Department heads expressed concerns about security and access on the day 20,000-to-30,000 people are expected to arrive in Knoxville. The City is planning on shutting down about a two block radius around the Courthouse, where the main entertainment will be staged. Since it will be shut down the night before the event, some expressed concern about parking for both employees and those that they service.

Liability concerns were also expressed; if the Courthouse is open, many riders may use it as a place to cool down, creating a crowd and lots of noise. County Attorney Ed Bull recommended giving 45 days’ notice if they plan to shut down, meaning a decision doesn’t have to be made until next month.